Video: Pa. cop risks life to save endangered officer, awarded at IACP

Trooper Timothy Strohmeyer diverted attention away from an officer in danger and was fired upon 8 times

By PoliceOne Staff

FRANKSTOWN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Trooper Timothy Strohmeyer was awarded the International Police Officer of the Year Award at the 2013 IACP conference, for his heroic efforts to save another officer — an incident that was caught on dash cam.

Jeffrey Lee Michael, an unemployed former truck driver, walked into a church last December and fatally shot a woman decorating the building, then walked out and killed two more people before fleeing in his truck, according to ABC News.

Strohmeyer and Trooper David Navaruk each passed Michael in his truck as they sped to the scene, and they turned around to pursue him.

A third trooper, Kevin Campbell, was approaching Michael from the opposite direction when the suspect intentionally slammed into his squad, making it impossible for the officer to escape his vehicle.

Strohmeyer hoped to divert attention away from a now-helpless Campbell by slamming into the back of Michael’s truck, according to the report.

Michael turned his attention to Strohmeyer, lunging at his squad while firing 8 rounds, several of which struck he officer in the chest and wrist.

"His courageous actions in the line of fire last December — when he placed his own life at great risk in order to save the lives of those around him — exemplified the very best of what it means to be a public servant," Attorney General Eric Holder said at the IACP conference after the officer received top honor.

Strohmeyer had been wearing ballistic armor during the shooting, and recovered. Michael was killed by police gunfire.